SEA DUCKS 
99 
of the two species are not to be distinguished in life with any certainty, the larger amount 
of white on the lesser wing coverts of this species may be suggestive at times, though 
Barrow’s Golden-eye usually shows a darker head with a higher forehead. 
Nesting. In hollow stumps or trees, or even in openings in buildings. 
Distribution. The greater part of the northern hemisphere. In America across the 
continent, nesting east and west as far north as suitable timber occurs. 
SUBSPECIES. The New World form of this species is subspecifically separated 
from the Golden-eye of th&Old World as the American Golden-eye (Ie Garrot d’Amerique) 
Glaucionelta clangula americana. 
Figure 146 
Field Marks of Common and Barrow’s Golden-eyes. 
The Golden-eye is one of the best-known ducks. The shrill whistling 
of its wings as it whirls by the blind makes it notable to the shooter and its 
habit of nesting in trees and other hollows has drawn the attention of 
others, and suggested the misnomer, “Wood Duck.” Its fondness for 
nesting in various cavities leads at times to rather peculiar and interesting 
choice of locations. It sometimes comes through stovepipe or other holes 
into unused attics. In Camrose, Alberta, one persisted in using the chimney 
of a residence for its nest, until a false flue was substituted. In this case, 
the ducklings, when freed from the shell, scrambled in some way to the 
top of the chimney, and flinging themselves over the edge, rolled and 
bounced resiliently to the ground unhurt, there to be led away by the 
mother to the nearest water. In this case and in some others authentically 
reported of this species, the young were not assisted to the ground in any way. 
“This is one of the first ducks to come north in spring and one of the 
last to leave in autumn. Though sparsely common everywhere, it is not 
regarded as good game in the west. On the prairies it is seldom eaten, and 
on the coast its flesh is often unfit for food in the autumn on account of the 
eating of dead salmon. Although it is prolific, large flocks of the species 
are seldom seen.” 
Figure 147 
Windpipe of Barrow’s Golden-eye. 
Figure 148 
Windpipe of Common Golden-eye. 
